US Bridges

SR 101 over Tennessee River

Fair

Lawrence County, Alabama · On Wheeler Dam · Structure no. 000001014002450

Built
1937
88 years old, rebuilt 1962
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel
Length
6,500 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
5,358
2021 count
Owner
Federal
Tennessee Valley Authority

About this bridge

SR 101 over Tennessee River is a steel truss - thru carrying SR 101 over Tennessee River in Lawrence County, Alabama. It was built in 1937 and reconstructed in 1962, so it is 88 years old, older than the Alabama average of 51.1 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in fair condition with a lowest component rating of 5 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

It carries about 5,358 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 8,000 by 2041. The structure is 6,500 ft (1,981.2 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 26.1 mi (42 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR 101
CrossesTennessee River
LocationOn Wheeler Dam
RouteState Highway 101
CountyLawrence County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.81444, -87.38167
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating44.1 US tons
Inventory rating26.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2 (+143 approach)
Design loadH 20
Structure length6,500 ft (1,981.2 m)
Longest span175 ft (53.3 m)
Deck width26 ft (7.8 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deck15 ft (4.5 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,358 (2021)
Projected traffic8,000 by 2041
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed26.1 mi (42 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerTennessee Valley Authority
Maintained byTennessee Valley Authority
Historic statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$60 million
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 101 over Tennessee River built?

It was built in 1937, making it 88 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1962.

What condition is SR 101 over Tennessee River in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in fair condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound. The last reported inspection was in August 2023.

How much traffic does SR 101 over Tennessee River carry?

About 5,358 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is SR 101 over Tennessee River?

The structure is 6,500 ft (1,981.2 m) long with a longest span of 175 ft (53.3 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns SR 101 over Tennessee River?

It is owned by the Tennessee Valley Authority.